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Encounter Festival 2018

The 2018 Lancashire Encounter Festival saw artists from all over the County come together to share their talents with the crowds

The weekend kicked off with some interactive fun in Preston's city centre.

This included a life-sized games arcade, a virtual reality playground, and a projection of a quizzical and friendly moon; created using real people's faces from all around Lancashire.

The performances started with the jaw-dropping 'Block' and the theatrical comedy 'Westernised'.

Download the Lancashire Encounter 2018 Programme (PDF) [953KB] .

Saturday Line up 

Saturday's packed programme turned The Harris into a haven for artists, creating opportunities for visitors to get involved in creating work of their own and adding to artistic projects.

The Harris also played host to a number of top performances, including 'The Commuters' and 'The Rest of our Lives'. With something going on in every corner, the Harris' programme of events and installations had visitors contemplating, relaxing, and rejoicing.

Saturday also saw the joining of acts from further afield, with Preston's twinned town of Recklinghausen joining the Preston Ukulele Strummers for the ultimate Ukulele experience.

Preston Youth Theatre also put on a top show, performing 'Lock Out' - a story inspired by the Great Lock Out.

For comedy and music fans, Lancashire ONE brought together the County's best in fresh comedy, music and performances.

Sunday Line up 

Sunday brought the weekend to a close with the Red Dream Parade.

The parade brought together communities and groups from all around Lancashire, with many creating their own props and costumes.

The theme of red celebrated the Lancashire rose and the dream theme had participators displaying their dreams of Lancashire past, present and future.

The parade ended at Winckley Square and was met with a dance performance and brass band, waving goodbye to a successful celebration of Lancashire's artistic talent, creativity and culture.

Lancashire Encounter event video from September 2018

Lancashire Encounter Evaluation

You can download a full copy of the Lancashire Encounter Evaluation report here, written by Ask for Research Limited.

Lancashire Encounter 2018 Photo Gallery

Relive the highlights of Lancashire Encounter 2018 in the gallery below. Photos courtesy of Preston Photographic Society.